All system restore points constantly deleted with VSS services/volsnap errors

Anonymous
2014-01-08T09:35:11+00:00

Original Title: Let's start simple! Is there anyone from Microsoft out there?

For 6 weeks, I've been trying to sort out why my system restore points keep getting wiped out - something to do with VSS Server, I think. But let's forget that for now - all I want at the moment is a definitive answer whether VSS Server should be on Manual or Automatic. Some MS documents say one, some the other. If I can find out this, we can then move on to the next step of why it keeps getting switched off, regardless of which option is chosen. So SHOULD IT BE ON MANUAL OR AUTO? surely that isn't difficult to answer and must be known by MS.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-09T07:17:40+00:00

    Also some antivirus/security and automatic backup programs will remove Restore Points. As

    will some Registry Cleaners and System Optimizers (both of those are like Snake-Oil), and

    of course some malware.

    Here is a handy free tool to view and even use the Shadow Copies (not File History).

    Shadow Explorer - Free

    http://www.shadowexplorer.com/

    =

    Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

    Hi, Rob,

    I've now installed Shadowexplorer (I thought I already had Net Framework 3.5), but now have to work out what to do with it.

    As regards possible Malware, I've repeatedly run the most recent definitions in Malwarebyte, Spybot Search and Destroy,  Superantispyware and Malware fighter. Also Avast. All were negative each time

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-09T08:05:34+00:00

    Hi,

    See here for the Services default settings.

    BlackViper - Windows 8.1 defaults

    http://www.blackviper.com/service-configurations/black-vipers-windows-8-1-service-configurations/

    AHi, Rob,

    I've now set the settings back to default - most involved changing Auto to manual.

    I have Eindows Presentation Foundation Font Cache at Manual - it's not installed in the BV list.

    Superfetch can't be started - it gives Error 1168 Element not found

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-09T08:39:49+00:00

    Do they disappear after a logoff or after a restart, or after a power down and restart?

    When they go at bootup, it is The shadow copies of volume C: were aborted during detection volsnap event 29 - I don't know if that helps you - there's very little on Google about it

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-01-09T11:30:13+00:00

    Here is a handy free tool to view and even use the Shadow Copies (not File History).

    Shadow Explorer - Free

    http://www.shadowexplorer.com/

    Hi Rob, again,

    I've installed Shadowexplorer, but don't know what I'm doing. If I follow the example in the Manual, I don't know what folder to look in - I don't know if it's supposed to look like the one in the example,

    If I go to Install VSS in the manual and go to Computer Management/Storage/Disk Management and click on any of my C, D or E drives and go to Properties, I don't have the Shadow Copies Tab they show

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-01-09T16:21:26+00:00
    1. Yes exactly what I said.

    2, Something is doing that or it is set to do so.

    1. If you have ANY registry cleaners they might be doing things you are not aware of and

    running one does not always show the results instantly. Ditch them all as they are not needed

    on Windows Vista, 7, or 8/8.1.

    1. Space seems fine.
    2. A refresh is not the same as a Reset - a Refresh keeps system settings which could be the

    problem. Especially if the settings have been changed by any Registry Cleaner. A Reset is

    the same as a Clean Install - it removes all.

    1. Just because a program ran on XP does not mean it should be run on 8/8.1 - especially

    Registry Cleaners which are no longer needed or advisable.

    1. I did not say to modify anything - use them to check the default for the services you

    asked about.

    1. Well that also could be systematic of your other issue. I just installed Shadow Explorer on one

    of my computers yesterday with no issue (8.1).

    1. No that sounds unusual.

    Ditch those registry cleaners.

    Rob - SpiritX

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